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4.8 from 30 votes

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

Two Ways to make Rice in the Instant Pot - Pot in Pot Method and Main Pot Method

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Calories: 253 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups basmati rice
  • 3 cups water See recipe instructions if cooking directly in the main pot
  • 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pot-in-Pot Cooking
  • 1 cup water added to the Instant Pot insert to help build steam

Instructions

Pot in Pot Method
    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the rice well and drain all the water out.
  2. Add rice, water, and salt to a 7" stainless steel insert pan.
  3. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside and then place the pan with rice on the trivet.
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure release valve to sealing. Pressure cook(Hi) for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release
  5. Quick release any remaining pressure and then open the Instant Pot. Take the rice pan out with silicone heat-resistant mitts.
Main Pot Method
  1. Rinse the rice well and drain all the water out.
  2. Add rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot insert. Notes: For exactly 1½ cups of rice, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, and add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup. For more than 2 cups of Rice, use a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio, and add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup
  3. Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure release valve to sealing.
  4. Pressure cook on Low-pressure mode for 5 minutes followed by quick release. Note: The low-pressure cook mode, allows the rice to soak a little bit as it slowly builds the pressure resulting in long fluffy grains of cooked rice. If you do not have the low-pressure option on your Instant Pot, simply cook on HI pressure instead
  5. Open the Instant Pot. Take out the Insert using heat-resistant mitts and place on a trivet. Allow the rice to cool down for at least 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a silicone spatula.

Notes

  • Basmati Rice does not need soaking to make plain rice. Please do NOT over soak, simply rinse well and drain
  • Once you open the Instant Pot lid, transfer the inner pot to a trivet on your counter. This stops the rice from cooking further and helps prevent the rice from getting mushy
  • If the rice looks uncooked, simply put the inside insert back in, close the Instant Pot, and allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes. The remnant heat will further cook the rice.
  • Do not mix the rice when it's steaming hot, this will start breaking the long grains. Allow the rice to cool a bit and then gently fluff it up using a silicone spatula
  • As the excess steam evaporates from the rice and the rice cools, it will get drier
  • Gently run a soft silicone spatula on the sides of the pot and serve
  • If you are making rice ahead for a party, simply allow the rice to cool. You can even take it out in a large tray, cool it down, and feel free to use your hands to separate the grains gently. If the grain seems sticky simply wet your hands with cold water and it will allow separating the grains. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or chaffing dish when ready to serve

Nutrition Information

Calories 253kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 594mg (25%) Potassium 80mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Calcium 25mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 253

% Daily Value*

Calories 253kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 594mg 25%
Potassium 80mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Calcium 25mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.